“I conclude that I am alone, that I am weak, that my father is lying in a swoon, that the dog is muzzled, and that consequently there is nothing to prevent your making your escape. Fly, then; that’s what I mean.”
“What do you say?”
“I say that I was not able to save Mynheer Cornelius or Mynheer John de Witt, and that I should like to save you. Only be quick; there, my father is regaining his breath, one minute more, and he will open his eyes, and it will be too late. Do you hesitate?”
In fact, Cornelius stood immovable, looking at Rosa, yet looking at her as if he did not hear her.
“Don’t you understand me?” said the young girl, with some impatience.
“Yes, I do,” said Cornelius, “but——”
“But?”
“I will not, they would accuse you.”
“Never mind,” said Rosa, blushing, “never mind that.”
“You are very good, my dear child,” replied Cornelius, “but I stay.”